Air Canada announced that it has added a direct route between Vancouver International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines.
This announcement marks a new phase in Air Canada’s strategic expansion. The announcement took place on Thursday, December 5, during the Team Canada Trade Mission that is currently taking place in Philippines to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Canada-Philippines diplomacy.
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive Vice-President for Revenue and Network Planning / President of Cargo, said about the new route: “We’re thrilled to add Manila, Air Canada Pacific Gateway Hub’s gateway hub, to our global network.”
“We’ll be offering non-stop, year-round service from Vancouver.”
We will continue to pursue Air Canada’s international network strategy to expand to large, fast growing markets that are currently unserved by Air Canada. The Philippines is a market that reflects long-standing family connections between our two countries, with growing business and tourism opportunities.
Galardo said that Air Canada’s extensive domestic and transborder network, designed to seamlessly connect to its international flights in Vancouver, makes travel between North America, the Philippines and Asia even more convenient, both for leisure and business travelers.
A pivotal addition
Air Canada has launched three routes in Southeast Asia over the past two years. Air Canada will be the only Canadian carrier to offer direct service to the Philippines. The Philippines is currently the largest market outside of Asia that does not have Air Canada.
The airline’s flagship Dreamliner aircraft will be used to fly the new route four times a week starting 2nd April 2025.
Air Canada will launch its 12th transpacific route from Vancouver. This network includes Japan, South Korea and the People’s Republic of China. It also includes Thailand, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
Air Canada’s new service will allow it to offer more than 180 flights a week between Canada, the Pacific and Europe by next summer. This is the most non-stop flights available on the market.
Air Canada will continue to expand into the fast-growing markets of Southeast Asia. Building on recent additions in Singapore and Bangkok, it will more than double summer seat capacity over Pacific since 2022.
